Tag: Jesus Christ

SPIRITUAL WINDOW SHOPPING

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized2 Comments

COUNT UP THE COST!

Window shopping or browsing is examining goods or services through the window and not intending to purchase anything.

Growing up in small-town Arkansas, during the Baby-Boomer Era, we received the Sears Robuck Catalog. One of my favorite things to do was perusing the catalog. We called it the “Wish Book”, The Christmas edition would get worn out by the end of December. This was our only form of wide-variety window shopping. My siblings and I would circle everything we wanted and hand it to my parents. We were too young to understand that the “Wish Book” was not a promise book.

Window shopping continues to be a favorite time for many. You may be thinking, “What does window shopping have to do with Access to the promises of God?” Check out the relevance.

Spiritual Window Shopping:

Many Christians spend time weekly, spiritual window shopping. However, the largest spiritual shopping day is Sunday morning when millions worship in the House of the Lord. The word of God is spoken and many in the seats, hear and see the word, but fail to access and experience the promises due to the obedience factor. They browse the Bible or the screen picking and choosing the word they like, or will follow, leaving on the podium or screen the cutting, life-changing word they will not follow.

Spiritual window shoppers only view the promises of God. Embracing God’s promises requires a “Tag/Marking”. Yes, there are tags on God’s promises, and the “Tag or Marking” identifies the cost and it’s not a dollar value. It is a “Faith value”.

Count up the Cost!

The Watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:1) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ” (John 10:27)

How does it make you feel that Jesus knows and calls you by name?

“My sheep!” says Christ describing his people, those who have come to Him or those who will become His; Redeemed by His power, willingly and cheerfully surrendered themselves to Him! His own peculiar property.

Christ is the proprietor of the sheep. If that describes you, then you are positioned to access His promises.

When there are so many flocks of sheep, it is necessary to mark them. Our savior marks us. There are two tags or marks on Christ’s sheep, not found on any other sheep. (1) mark on the ear, “they hear my voice. (2) the mark on the foot, ” I know them, and they follow me.”

His sheep hear spiritually. They listen to or give heed, they obey His call. Their spiritual ear listens to God. They hear not just with the outward organ, but with the inward heart. They hear His voice, His counsel, His command.

Christ tagged or marked his sheep on their feet as well as ears. They follow Him. They are gently led, not harshly driven. The sheep of Christ follow Him as their example.

ACCESS TO THE PROMISES OF GOD:

Self Examination/ Introspection:

Do you have the earmark/tag? Do you have the footmark/tag? Are you His sheep or just a window shopper, browsing the things of God? Are you accessing the promises of God?

Obediently following Jesus opens the flow of God’s promises into the life of Christ-followers.

If you have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, invite Him into your heart, to govern your life. Salvation is much more than life after death. Embrace the earmark and the footmark God has given you that will take you through this earthly life.

No more browsing and window shopping through life. Access everything God has for you, now! Listen/obey His voice and follow Jesus!

Related Reading: John 101-18; Psalm 23; Isaiah 9:6; Ezekiel 34:25-31; Revelation 2:17.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

You are my Savior and Lord. I am not perfect and I thank you that you don’t require perfection, but holiness. From this day forward I strive to be more and more like you, embracing all of your promises. You are my Shepherd and I am your sheep. Amen!

WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHT?

On By glendarouseIn Monday, UncategorizedLeave a comment

LIGHT AND DARKNESS

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Only a few weeks ago on April 8, 2024, people were excited and planning for the 2024 Solar Eclipse. People were thrilled and stirred over the predictable appearance of the earth, moon, and sun alignment, better known as the eclipse. The 2024 eclipse inspired awe, created opportunities for Science, and compelled eclipse chasers generating upward of 1 billion dollars in revenue.

The thrill of the eclipse was watching the gradual procession of the moon, like an on-scheduled parade march toward alignment between earth-view and the sun. For a brief period, sunlight turned off in the areas of total eclipse. It was a convincing and amazing experience when the light turned off and darkness ushered in.

And God said, “Let there be light.” and there was light.” God said, The light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3)

The power of light in the beginning proved to be dominant and commanding, dispelling the darkness of the deep.

“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (Jn. 8:12)

This month was not only historical it was also a great teachable moment. Millions of people observed God at work in His life laboratory of natural and spiritual phenomena. Only God can cause a celestial body to move in alignment with another, obscuring the illumination of the source of light.

This world is in the dark. Many things are obscurring the light of Life these days. In a real sense, there is darkness within each of us, and definitely there is darkness all around us. But there is someone who is able to turn on the lights, for those who are engulfed in the darkness of sin, light is available even when darkness seems overwhelming. But you may be surprised about where Jesus says this rescue light is found. Matthew 5:14 says, “YOU are the light of the world.”

  • Light expels darkness.
  • Light exposes things that are hidden in darkness.
  • Light reveals that which is otherwise hidden by darkness.
  • Wherever you go the things done in darkness are exposed.
  • Light helps you stay on the path.

HOW TO BECOME EFFECTIVE LIGHT!

  1. Gird yourself with the word and let your lights burn.
  2. When you are girded with the Word, your light is bright.
  3. God’s Word will enlighten you to the wisdom of God, to the mind and direction of the Spirit of God. The Word is the fuel supply for the light.
  4. Are you a light among your family and acquaintances? Are you a light at work and at the gym? Are you a light in your culture and in your community?
  5. Are you clothed in Son Blocker or Son Light?

When you enter a dark room, you have no idea what might be lurking in that room. A Story was told of a group on mission staying in a condo in Hawaii and had been preparing their meals and sandwiches on the bread-board, but one dark evening when they went into the kitchen and turned on the light, it was like the sink was in motion as the cock roaches scurried to get back into their dark recesses.

Immediately, the group changed their food preparation process. and set traps all over the kitchen. The light revealed what was in the darkness, and all were quite uncomfortable with what was exposed.

TURN THE LIGHT ON!

Be the light God has chosen you to be! You are important to God. Though darkness is all around today, God has made provisions for you so you won’t have to walk in darkness.

The same God who commanded light to shine out of darkness in the beginning want to turn the light on inside you. First, He wants to enlighten your darkness within. Say yes Lord! Share this encouraging message with others as an immediate action toward turning your light in the darkness.

Reflective questions: Who or what is blocking your SonLight? It may be you or someone else! What is your Son Blocker?

Prayer: Father, I want your light to shine in and through me, dispelling all darkness in my path. May your wisdom and discernment be my light sensor and motion detector of darkness. Let your light shine in me so that all the world will know you better because of the Light of your Son shining in and through me. Amen!

Related Readings:

John 14:16-17; Job 18:56; Proverbs 13:9

KNOWING AND TRUSTING GOD

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Encouragement in Loss and Pain

Life can be very fickle or mercurial. One moment a bright and beautiful full of laughter day and the next moment filled with a sad, tearful, grievous dark sad day. Yes, all can change in seconds with just one phone call or text message.

This week, that sudden change happened to my family, and as mentioned, it was so quick when I received news of a loved one who died suddenly, at 54 years of age. A great husband and a Christian father. Known in the community as a good honest man.

Sorrow and grief hit me so deeply at that moment of hearing. No words or actions could penetrate my grief at that time.

We have all experienced the gut-wrenching sorrow that causes us to want to deny the pain and turn back the hands of time. Sometimes all we can do is utter the person’s name we lost.

(Job 1:20-21) Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.  He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!”

Imagine that your neighbor calls you at work, telling you the terrible news that your house and vehicles have been destroyed by fire, and while that person is still speaking to you, you learn that you’ve been fired from your job. While words are still coming out of your employer’s mouth, your husband calls your kids and all their families have been killed while they were vacationing together.

These are the unimaginable circumstances Job encountered, devastating messages assaulted him again and again, each one coming while the messenger “was still speaking”. Who can even begin to comprehend his sheer horror?

Important Reflection:

What did Job do? What was his initial response upon hearing, of the loss of all he owned and of all he held dear?

  • First, he grieved. He tore his robe and shaved his head to display his deep sorrow. No outward sign of grief could capture the inward torture Job felt.
  • Next, he demonstrates faithfulness toward God. He fell to the ground and worshiped. (He didn’t ask why me? Why them? Instead, he acknowledged that everything comes from God, and he praised the name of the Lord. Wow, Job!!

Envision that scene. It will take your breath away. Picture this man, deep in the throes of grief, praising God. In light of the horrific blows dealt to him, how did he do that?

Only the following answer will suffice: Job knew God. I mean, really knew him, through out-of-the-ordinary intimacy. His close communion with God had taught him that God was the only one who could give him any kind of real comfort.

Job’s knowledge yielded a deep trust in an infallible Lord, a trust, which enabled Job’s heart to keep beating even in the face of overwhelming heartbreak. Trust enabled him to respond to horrible pain with worship and praise. His initial response reflected a heart that knew and trusted God.

This is where God met me in my grief over the loss of my loved one. I must say, “It took me more than a whole minute”, but when I turned inward to the only one who could give me real comfort, the Prince of Peace rested on my heart.

What about you? How have you responded to bad news in the past? With Praise? Anger? Despair? Confusion?

In Summary:

Job knew God well enough to turn to him in grief. How deep does your knowledge of God go? How close is your heart attuned to his? Who is ruling your heart today? The extent of the rulership in your heart is up to you.

Faith In Action Steps: (Practice backing up what you say with actions.)

  1. Really get to know God intimately. (Spend intentional time with God. Listening and talking.)
  2. Trust God completely! (Trust comes after the first step is initiated_
  3. Daily invite God to rest, rule, reign, and abide in your heart. Try personal worship.
  4. Read Job 1:1-22

Remember, God understands human emotions because of Jesus Christ. The above action steps have helped me tremendously this week to handle my grief. I pray that others will be encouraged and blessed by following the plan God has for handling loss.

Pray: Dear Lord, Prince of Peace, rule my life today. Sit on the throne of my life and rule in Peace. Rule over my every emotion. I worship and praise your name, no matter what!

Share this encouraging word with someone you know who may be having a tough time due to a loss or experiencing pain life change.

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 32:36-39; Psalms 42: 1-11; 86:1-17

This Post is Dedicated to Marcus Calaham

NEVER FORGET, CLEAN HANDS!

On By glendarouseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Just a few years ago, although it seems like yesterday, nations were thrust into an environmental COVID-19 battle that required strict cleanliness rules of engagement. Many unity-sounding slogans were circulating: “Apart We Stand Together”, “It Takes All of Us to Save Lives”, “Keep Hands Clean and disinfected” as often as possible” We cannot leave out “Social Distancing”, Do Your Part to Keep fellow Texans (or whatever state you lived in) Safe.

As a former educator, there were more healthy hand hygiene rules than we could count: Clean hands coming in upon arrival, after each break, before and after eating or drinking, and everything else done during the day. Handling books, pencils, paper, everything had to be wiped clean. Handwashing rules included: using soap and water for no less than 20 seconds and/or using 60% alcohol sanitizer.

The greatest battle we face is an ongoing spiritual battle. External cleanliness promotes physical health, but having “clean hands” before God promotes spiritual health. Washing and sanitizing spiritually involves repentance, confessing our sins, and coming clean before God to experience spiritual well-being.

“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, (Psalm 24:3-4)

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)

Repentance is more than feeling sorry or remorse. It involves recognizing one’s sin, feeling godly sorrow, making a commitment to change and experiencing a genuine change of mind, heart, direction, and behavior.

For unbelievers, repentance is for salvation. While for believers, it is for restored fellowship and maintaining a clean life before God. God is calling the world (unbelievers and believers) to repentance, unto faith in Jesus Christ and to walk in a changed lifestyle, according to the Word of God. Because genuine belief in Christ equals genuine change in lifestyle.

Question 1: When was the last time you washed your spiritual hands by spending time in confession and repentance to God?

Confession: Is agreement with God about his viewpoint of sin. God’s viewpoint of sin, “It’s against me (God), it has devastating consequences, sin grieves me.” This is how God views your sins. Confession is much more than just telling God what you did. Does your confession of sin get to the heartfelt level?

Repentance is agreement with God that the sin was against him and a commitment to turn away, turn back and walk away from the sin. Agree with God that you have departed from his ways and fallen short of his standards.

God is not disappointed, but grieved and you will feel a lot worse when you see sin from God’s perspective. It does not mean you won’t sin again, but each time the approach must be genuine repentance, complete repentance.

Start now!

(1) Ask God to bring sins to mind you need to confess to him, today.

(2) Spend some time asking God to forgive you for those things that offended or displeased him.

(3) Thank God that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Unbelievers: Confess to God that Jesus is Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. You are saved. Now, step 1-3.

If you long for greater intimacy with God, ask him to examine your heart to see if there are any areas in which you need to come clean before him. Admit to him and to yourself, that you are in need of a spiritual bath. Be prepared like a little child, to squirm a little when he reminds you to wash behind your ears, or clean the matter from your eyes. But, oh, the joy of coming clean!

ARE YOU AN ESCAPOLOGIST?

On By glendarouseIn Crossroads, Prayer RequestsLeave a comment

Escapology is the practice of escaping from restraints or other traps. Escapologists are commonly known as escape artists. They are widely known for their skilled ability to escape from critical situations, coffins, steel boxes,  burning buildings, and difficult situations, often time in combination.

Praying Christians have been afforded the God-given blessing of escapology through the power of the Holy Spirit in the fellowship of prayer (His presence). When we commit to a life of prayer, we have all confidence that God is on our side, and If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Have you learned how to escape within, even in the midst of your life traps, life restraints, and life perils?   In fact, prayer is often the only action one can take because it is beyond all human control.  Perhaps multiple situations have cropped up, a combination of things,  seemingly overnight out of nowhere. I’d say you didn’t even see it coming.  God wants you to attend/ lean to Him.

 Prayer is God’s escapology for the believer.  A praying believer is an escape artist who knows how to access God on a moment-by-moment basis. The divine illusion is, that often no change is evident or visible to the natural eye. Your life circumstances and what seems to be a no-win situation may not have physically changed.  In fact, on the outside things are pretty much the same, but as your thoughts are re-focused on Him, something happened! The change may appear to others as an illusion, but God!  By the power of His presence, your heartfelt communion, and fellowship with Him, a metamorphic change takes place deep within the recesses of your heart and now you are re-focused on the One who controls all of life, great and small. This refocusing is a learned component of escapology that is accomplished only through consistent and persistent practice in prayer with the Master!

What’s in your repertoire of prayer escapology?  What is the greatest hindrance in your prayer life? What questions do you have about prayer? What’s your plan for going to another level and dimension with God? Is prayer the key element? How do you get there? Where do you start in your prayer development? These and other topics are open for discussion. Post your blog using an anonymous tag or use your name.  In an effort to support and assist other believers to enhance their prayer life your contributions to the discussions are welcomed and respected.